Method References in Java 8

1. Method references are shorthand notations for lambda expressions that directly call a method or constructors using the :: operator.
2. Method references provide a way to refer to a method without executing it. Instead of creating a lambda expression to perform a specific operation, developers can reference an existing method to perform the same operation.
3. Method references provide a concise syntax for invoking a method, and they can be used in place of lambda expressions in certain cases.

Difference Between Lambda Expression and Method Reference

• Use lambda expressions when you need to implement behavior that isn’t directly tied to a method.
• Use method references when you can directly refer to existing methods for a clearer and more concise syntax.
• Lambda Expression: More flexible; can include custom logic.
• Method Reference: Less flexible; limited to existing methods.

In Java, there are four types of method references:

1. A method reference to a static method

Syntax: ClassName::staticMethodName
Example: Math::max

2. A method reference to an instance method of an object of a particular type